Smallscale archerfish - Toxotes microlepis

Scientific name: Toxotes microlepis

Common name: Smallscale archerfish

Family: Toxotidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 14 - 18 cm (5.51 - 7.09 inch)

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Recommended pH range: 6.5 - 8

Recommended water hardness: 6 - 21°N (107.14 - 375ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature range: 24 - 28 °C (75.2 - 82.4°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Southeast Asia

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Overview

Toxotes microlepis (Smallscale Archerfish) is a surface-oriented predator famed for shooting jets of water to knock insects from overhanging vegetation. Unlike some congeners, this species is primarily freshwater, inhabiting large lowland rivers and floodplains in mainland Southeast Asia and parts of Sundaland.

Care & Tank Setup

• Group: Keep in small groups of 5–8 to reduce skittishness; expect a loose hierarchy.
• Tank: Long tank with generous surface area; 120 cm / 250 l (65 gal) minimum for a group. Tight-fitting lid—excellent jumpers.
• Water: pH 6.5–8.0, hardness 6–21 °dGH, temperature 24–28 °C (75–82 °F). Clean, well-oxygenated water and steady parameters are crucial.
• Salinity: Freshwater by default; optional very light brackish (SG ≤ 1.005) is tolerated but not required long-term.
• Aquascape: Open surface for feeding shots, with driftwood/branches or emergent plants to simulate overhangs. Gentle flow; strong filtration.

Diet & Feeding

Obligate carnivore focused on insects and small aquatic prey.

• Staples: Quality floating carnivore pellets/sticks (to encourage surface feeding).
• Frozen/live: Crickets, houseflies, mealworm/pupae pieces, mosquito larvae, Daphnia, brine shrimp, chopped prawn.
• Training: Present food slightly above the waterline to encourage the iconic spitting behavior (protect lights/lids!).
• Avoid: “Vegetable matter/seaweed” – not required; this species is not herbivorous. Do not use very small tankmates as “food.”

Behavior & Compatibility

• Conspecifics: Semi-gregarious; minor skirmishes are common, but larger spaces reduce stress.
• Other fish: Best with robust, similarly sized mid- or bottom-dwelling species (e.g., larger rainbowfish, gobies, catfish). Small surface-dwellers will be preyed upon.

Sexing

No reliable external differences are known; males may show subtle proportional variations, but sexing remains uncertain.

Breeding

Home breeding is extremely rare; commercial operations use large facilities and often hormonal induction. Believed to be a substrate spawner with small adhesive eggs and no parental care.

Lifespan

Typically 8–12 years, occasionally longer with excellent care.

Origin

Mainland Southeast Asia (Mekong, Chao Phraya and adjacent river systems), Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo. Most often found in freshwater rivers, flooded forests, and slow-flowing side channels.

Short description

Best kept in spacious, well-covered aquaria with open surface areas and overhanging structures. Group housing, surface feeding, and excellent filtration are the keys to long-term success.

At-a-Glance (Care Box)

• Size (captive): 14–18 cm TL (up to ~20 cm)
• Temperament: Semi-gregarious; predator of small surface fish
• pH: 6.5–8.0  |  GH: 6–21 °dGH
• Temp: 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
• Salinity: Freshwater (light brackish tolerated, not required)
• Tank: Group in ≥ 250 l / 65 gal; long tank, secure lid
• Diet: Insects and small prey; floating pellets, insects, larvae
• Breeding: Rare in home aquaria; likely substrate spawner
• Lifespan: 8–12 years

Pictures

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.